The helicopter is power-positive and is sitting vertically on the surface.
The helicopter is power-positive and is sitting vertically on the surface.
Next steps include running further diagnostic checks, commanding Ingenuity to take photos of its location on the surface, and performing a spin test. source: https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/status/509/ingenuity-reestablishes-communications/
Stock image
What had happened?
Edit: https://mars.nasa.gov/technology/helicopter/status/508/flight-72-status-update/
Lost comms while in flight, however the autonomous systems seemed to have landed it just fine. My guess is the rover lost comms for whatever reason, rather than anything between Perseverance and Ingenuity.
The previous flight (71) had an emergency landing. Post flight images suggest that it was a rough landing, with part of the helicopter making contact with the ground and leaving a V-shaped grove in the regolith. That rough landing may have come into play during 72...
That's interesting, will be good to see what they come out with.
Is it far away from the rover now? I'm wondering if they will be able to get a good look at it visually.